A rescued 103.24811

[BrianHayes]

Just finished restoring my late FIL's 1957 Craftsman 100 drill press. It spent most of its life in an open pole barn, but cleaned up really well.

This was my first vintage tool restoration; the next project has been disassembled and is currently soaking in citric acid.

 

[Adaylate]

Beautiful job!

 

[JohnDeere]

That is a beautiful drill press! Great job! Good choice on the link belt.

 

[FrankLee]

That is a stunning transformation! Excellent work... especially for a first-timer. The replacement motor looks good.

One suggestion... check out Jeff's (@11b30b4) youtube video regarding the feed stop bracket. Yours looks low.

What is your next project?

 

[Roberts210]

THAT is one gorgeous DP. Is that the same motor?

 

[BrianHayes]

Good catch. I'm still waiting on an o-rings package from Jeff, so the quill stop gasket is missing in the picture.
The next project is a 1964 or thereabouts 103.24510. It does not have the external snap ring on the quill as one would expect on a 150, and it does not have an external spring tension provision as one would expect on a King-Sealy. Biggest problem so far is that I haven't been able to separate the column from the base. Citric acid soak for 2 days, a can of PB Blaster, heat, and even a 5/8 threaded rod through a steel plate at the top and a 4x4 at the bottom. The 4x4 broke before the column budged.

 

[BrianHayes]

THAT is one gorgeous DP. Is that the same motor?

This was the same motor; I created a new center panel and purchased a new motor plate from @mattblast.



Unfortunately there was an unrepairable short in the core winding, so I had to replace the motor with another of the same model.

 

[Lassen Forge]

As soon as I saw the title with the 103.24811 I KNEW you were in the world of Craftsman... BTW those were GREAT drill presses, IMO...

 

[BrianHayes]

As soon as I saw the title with the 103.24811 I KNEW you were in the world of Craftsman... BTW those were GREAT drill presses, IMO...

I didn't really know much about these drill presses before this project, but during the whole project, I was really impressed by the quality and the design aesthetic. I kept thinking about the number of skilled craftsmen that contributed to this particular drill press. This was built to last, and should easily be around for another 67 years.

 

[BrianHayes]

...One suggestion... check out Jeff's (@11b30b4) youtube video regarding the feed stop bracket. Yours looks low.

Jeff's package arrived today, and the quill gasket has been installed:

 

[Jayman17]

Beautiful job on that, looking forward to seeing your next project.

 

[WillyBoy]

Great job Brian!
Over the years, I've noticed that the edges of link belts can be a little more abrasive to zamac pulleys, especially if the belt is fairly tight.
Perhaps something to keep an eye on.

 

[BrianHayes]

Great job Brian!
Over the years, I've noticed that the edges of link belts can be a little more abrasive to zamac pulleys, especially if the belt is fairly tight.
Perhaps something to keep an eye on.

Thanks for the heads up.

 

[BrianHayes]

When I first saw the feed handle rods, I fully expected that I would be purchasing replacements.



But after soaking in citric acid, and wire brushing, I started thinking that they might be salvageable.



The center rod had been mounted on a cheap wood lathe, most of the pitting was removed with a file, then it was sanded and polished.

The others followed, and it took perhaps little more than an hour, start to finish, to complete all 3 rods.



Not perfect, but far better than I first thought possible.

 

[ALLFAST]

Outstanding job Sir. Your FIL would be speechless

 

[Miss the Pontiacs]

Wow especially on your first attempt. Can’t wait to see what else you turn out.

 

[SweetD]

Wonderful resto!

I've got a really nice 150 that just needs a little cleaning up - been sitting in my basement for about ten years. I traded some member on here a Prentiss vise for it. May be the motivation I needed for a winter project, thanks!

 

[BrianHayes]

Thank you. Be forewarned: it's an addictive hobby. Before the 100 was done, I started disassembling a 150 that I couldn't pass up. The 150 is not even in paint, and a 100 year-old power hacksaw followed me home wanting a restoration...